This is a great restaurant and lounge for adults--for the sexy adult. It is pricey but if crave quality then this is your place. Im vegan and I was able to make substitutions on my meal.
(5)
Alison M.
Let me just say, I'm giving this 4 stars because of the atmosphere,service & because Hagerstown lacks fine dining restaurants. I took my parents here and while they thought their food was just OK, my chicken was dry as a bone. The apps were ok though. Portions are tiny, but that is usually the case with fine dining. Its very expensive and to us, you're paying for the fine dining experience, not the food. I'm from NYC, believe me, i know fine dining, this is fine dining for Hagerstown. If you are on a date and want to impress, then this is the place but the food doesn't match the pretentious atmosphere. We won't be going back.
(4)
Adam K.
We came here for a special occasion but were less than satisfied. The atmosphere and service were great but the food quality was lacking. Three of us ordered filets medium rare but they were medium well. The filets were also fatty which I wouldn't expect from a filet. The crab cakes seemed less than fresh and fell apart but not in a good way. The sides were okay but overly seasoned and salted. The wine list was a bit strange because each wine is on a card in a box. A cute idea but strange concept. It was $160 for four of us but the food certainly wasn't worth the price. Maybe we went on an off night but I won't be returning to find out if that's the case.
(2)
Bridgette R.
Best place in Hagerstown. Always something new.
(5)
Stephanie C.
We had drinks and apps in the lounge by the fire and it was perfect. We then went over to the dining room for the tasting menu. It was very well put together, wonderful pairings as well. Each dish was decribed well and the dinner went at a perfect pace, not rushed nor did we have to wait for our courses. Overall a great experience and far better than I ever expected to find in Hagerstown.
(5)
Sarah B.
Attempted to dine for a quick early dinner in LJ's bar area. They open at 4:30pm. I walked in just a few minutes shy (4:27pm) to find the staff (quite understandably) having a bite prior to the dinner rush. What was odd, however, is that all scattered and none acknowledged me. I took a seat, waiting for the bartender (who I assure you DID see me walk in) to acknowledge me. I waited for a couple of minutes--I'm the only one here--and she did. Barkeep proceeded to give me a drink menu & explain that their evening menu was still being printed (again, understandably) and I could order when that arrived. I told her that all I wanted was a burger (which I know from prior experience that they have every day). She repeated that I could order AFTER I received the menu, brought me a water, and then disappeared. I couldn't even get a drink order placed! Everyone in the place acted downright frightened of a customer! I waited several more minutes (during which I was ignored) before leaving for 5 Guys Across the Street. In summary, for a upscale-ish dining establishment, please don't make guests wait to order run-of-the-mill items, wait to order drinks, or generally avoid them like the plague.
(2)
Jamie K.
Ok so I'll admit, I am am *not* a foodie by any means. If it tastes good, I don't care about the execution, how unique or true to form it is... That said, I'm also not fully experienced in true fine dining, which LJ's definitely was in my books (more on this later). First, the food was phenomenal - we started with wine and an app, wait staff being very prompt and courteous. I had a seasonal Mahi Mahi and my date the tuna. I would estimate the resturant was between 1/2 and 2/3 of full capacity, but the food came quickly. The entrees were so good that despite how hungry I was, I couldn't help but take my time and savor every bite! We finished with a small desert (pound lemon cake, which wasn't honestly all that exciting) and rounded the night off with a few drinks from the lounge. The dinner bill was around $110, but when you consider we had an app, four (alcoholic) drinks, two entrees, and desert, I think that's reasonable. My only complaint (and to be fair, perhaps this is simply a caliper of dining I'm not used to) is the *constant* interruption by wait staff for 'formalities'. I lost count how many times they came to swap (yes, swap) silverware, every time seemingly a different person. They were so very robotic and impersonal, that it made me feel a bit uncomfortable (and slightly annoyed). I get it, it's how five dining is done, but they need to loosen up a bit. All in all, I'll definitely go back, the food was indeed amazing. I'll certainly reserve this place for those special dates, to entertain family, friends, business associates, or simply to prove to anyone that there are some very nice reasons to be living in this area. :)
(4)
Vincent V.
When there with 6 members of my family and found the food to be tasty but with taster portions. I had ordered Cod that was presented on sticky rice that was sitting in oil - on to which the waitress pours soy sauce without asking. I ate some of the Cod but the predominant taste was of the oil. The waiter ask about our meals and I voiced my difficulty with the Cod. He offered to remove it from the bill or receive something else. I had tasted the Artic Char and liked it and I was given it as a substitute. The portion for all 7 of us were small but tasty and a tad overpriced.
(3)
Linda F.
Met with friends for happy hour. We have been here often, however, tonight was a great disappointment. The special was fish tacos. Just wish there had been some fish in it. Very small amount, have had better fish tacos at fast food venues!! LJ's had been our go to favorite but after a few disappointments, it will be a while before we return.
(2)
Lindsey H.
Was not a fan. Had the potential to be pretty fancy but just didn't do it for me. We had some powdered bacon appetizer which was really weird tasting and kind of disappointing. The only spectacular thing we had were the mashed potatoes.
(2)
Cliff B.
OMG!!! ... The best! ... and I mean THE BEST place to eat in Hagerstown! Being from The South we have a love for food, and people, and atmosphere ...especially among friends. That's what you get when you go to LJ's for a fantastic meal or simply a drink in the lounge. The chefs always have the most fantastic creations that delight your tastebuds and arouse all your other senses. The hosts are always lovely, helpful and amazingly friendly. One things we've noticed about Hagerstown is that it's a town of hidden treasures. You have to live here awhile to find all the golden nuggets spread around town. LJ's is the El Dorado of Central Maryland! One of the things that many people do not know is that the menu is changed every so often and the whole staff has a private dinner and tasting session to learn all of the intricacies of the entire new menu. This brainstorming results in having the best information possible shared with you by your server while you're choosing what you'd like to eat. If you don't leave LJ's having had the best possible experience... I'll eat my shirt! Oh, and LJ's isn't just some big, fancy, schmancy locale where you have to get all dressed up to feel like you'll fit in. There is always a fancy, schmancy $10 burger and fries & A BEER! item on the menu or something similar to tickle your fancy. So, don't expect that if you go to LJ's you're going to have to spend a fortune. Because YOU'RE NOT!!! So, go! Go! GO!!! Try it out! You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Elaine B.
One of the best meals we've ever eaten has been at LJs. The menu changes periodically because they use local ingredients in season. If they ever bring back the sweet potato gnocchi we'll be back every day!
(5)
brent h.
Lj's is great! The Kat lounge is just as good. Try out the Kat lounge special on Friday and Saturday if you are looking for great food at a great price.
(5)
Kathy O.
We ate here - thanks to Yelp - while driving from Cleveland to the Eastern Shore on vacation. I used Yelp to find something other than the standard fare offered close to highway exit ramps (you can only eat at Bob Evans so many times!) and we like supporting local independent restaurants. Had a reservation but we had to wait quite awhile for our table beyond our reservation time, but as it turned out, it was prom or homecoming or something in Hagerstown (we were there in late May) and the place was full of dance goers, so I guess I won't fault them for that. Food was very nice, not over-the-top-great, but very nice. If you are considering it, give them a try. I was a little concerned about the name (we had our sons along).
(4)
Ryan P.
I booked this place for a fancy night out for my husband and I before the symphony. I had read all the reviews and found them generally favorable. When we walked in we were pleasantly greeted by the hostess who offered to take our coats. We were then shown to our table in the elegant dining room. A wonderful table right by the roaring fireplace and underneath the gleaming chandeliers. The waitress we had was exceptional. She was so kind, attentive, and gracious to our every whim. She made sure that we got our orders on time, but not rushed so as to make the concert on time. We were hungry enough to start with an appetizer, but the mussels looked amazing, I'll have to try them next time we come. We both started with "kat-tails" I had the Kat-tini which was similar to a fuzzy navel, and my husband had the kat on a hot tin roof (he loves chocolate). The cocktails were delicious and very expertly prepared. It was such a nice tough to have them poured table side! We then ordered our entrees. I had the Chicken and my husband ordered the Cannelloni. My chicken, as the waitress told me, is soaked in buttermilk for two days and then tossed in a cashew coating. It was very moist and tender with a scrumptious flavor. The corn relish on top added just a hint of sweetness and the truffle scalloped potatoes with it were phenomenal. My husband's dish was so flavorful, from the beef filling to the sauce, to the mozzarella melted on top that was to die for! Our dinners were also served with elegant salads and homemade rolls and butter. I loved the rolls and artisan butter. If you get the salad, get it with the bleu cheese crumbles. It makes all the difference. My only suggestion for any dish that we had was for the salad. It needed a better green than the romaine. Either a butter or boston lettuce would've been more sufficient, or even a field mix. I adored their desserts. The doughnut bread pudding with the candied pecans and cranberry ice cream was out of this world. My husbands chocolate peanut butter ice cream was mind blowing!!! Hands down one of the best chocolate peanut butter combination feats I have ever put in my mouth!!! For all that we had we very satisfied and thought the bill was reasonable for the level of cuisine and service we received. My only quip would be that they change the menu four times a year rather than three. A new rotation is kind of needed this time of year or introduce some dishes that are less autumn inspired and more Christmas/ Winter themed into the menu gradually. For those who keep saying negative things about this and other higher-end places and their location in Hagerstown I say this. Hagerstown is a good city with a diverse population and it does have class and elegance in it. Popular opinion may lead you to believe otherwise, but I think a place like LJ's fits very nicely with Hagerstown and we enjoyed it greatly. We will definitely return in the near future, fully knowing what to expect. One must realize that not all restaurants are casual, cheap gluttonous feeding places. LJ's caters to the refined foodies of Hagerstown and I, for one, appreciate it!
(5)
Kathy D.
For every special occasion with my boyfriend's family there is no question that we go to LJ's for that experience. I have come here about 5-6 times over the past four years and I have not been disappointed with the caliber of service and the quality of their food. Speaking of service, for those very special occasions they always make a special menu with "Happy Birthday" or "Happy Anniversary" inside and place confetti on the table. It's a nice touch that is overlooked by 98% of the restaurants. The decor is immaculate - it's as if they spent 2/3 of their business development working on the ideal dining environment, every detail really enhances the experience from the leather curtains as you walk in, to the cheetah print carpet, to the kitchen being the focal point. The lounge area would surpass some Washington (and maybe some New York) lounges. The bartenders have a strong attention to detail and make the cocktails so well. The food - well - is superb. I have never had a bad meal here. The chicken is one of my favorites - you would be impressed that it tastes like your great-grandmother's old style entree. It's amazing, out of the ordinary, but at the same time it "fits" Hagerstown. The steaks are *always* done correctly to order. The wine list is expansive and the wait staff is very knowledgeable about which glass to recommend with dinner. One last thing - the restrooms. I walked in and I felt like I was at a spa. It's very elegant and relaxing (I guess you would want that). They thought of everything from the cloth towels (no paper - nice) and the sink is clear glass with a dim light shining up (which looks really cool). It's too bad for Washingtonians that LJ's is all the way in Hagerstown or I would go more often.
(5)
Elaine W.
I enjoy dining at modern & posh places like this, the experience is always fun & you enjoy yourself, others, and the food is superb. The customer service was awesome!! I couldn't have ask for a better waitstaff. Our waiter was knowledge about the food items and when asked could make suggestions based on what they tasted. The drink menu was great! It had a variety to choose from. I had the pomengranate slash some fruit martini. Delicious! I ordered the Veal steak with asparagus. It had a lot of chewy fattiness to it but was very good and juicy. My friends had Country Fried Chicken, crab meat, and fish. Food was upto par and very, very tasty...I should say scrumptious!! Rolls were complimentary. The salads were awesome! We each ordered different desserts. I had the chocolate dome with custard ice cream. Mmm! My friends had the creme brulee (yum) and vanilla ice cream. Check out the decor. Zebra-printed seats and booths, red throw pillows, comfy modern chairs, lighted up fireplace, modern fixtures, transparent waterfall at the restrooms. Fresh rolled up washclothes in the restrooms and round sink bowls, It's a little dim inside but it's relaxing, like a spa!! It's quite the experience, not many places in Hagerstown like this unless you are headed to DC, Baltimore, Fairfax in VA like Tyson's Corner. I'm about half hour from this cool place. I definitely would come again soon!!
(3)
Kate H.
Love, love love LJ's and especially the Kat lounge. I first started to go to LJ's with my husband when we were hosting his out of town coworkers to dinner. The decor is modern, the wait staff is professional, and the food is amazing! The dining room is def an experience! Loved it so much that I had my bachelorette (sorry, I never spell that right) dinner there! Can't forget to mention the Kat lounge and their amazing weekly lounge specials! The burger special is to die for! $10 for the best burger in town, fries and a glass of beer or wine! They even cater to my gluten free needs. We love to sit at the bar and watch the bartenders mix up the drinks and also to chat with the other customers! Highly recommend this place! It's one of our go to places!
(5)
Jon P.
We've eaten at LJ's dozens of times. We've gone for dinner, Sunday brunches, holiday brunches, and have reservations for Christmas Eve dinner. The food is well prepared and very fine. Any spices or sauces highlight the food and never overwhelm or cover it. The menu changes with the season, plus there are weekly updates so there is plenty of variety. If you get on their mailing list (see their website) they send out menu updates and special occasion announcements. The ambiance is smart metropolitan and it really takes you back the first time you walk-in. The kitchen is open and you can watch the chefs prepare and finish the dishes. The wait staff is attentive, professional, and have personality. By our third visit they knew us by name. I can't say enough about LJs.
(5)
melissa r.
We were a bit late and as we passed the "lounge" with it's hip zebra patterned couches, wished we had time to sit and enjoy one of their signature drinks. (We did pause and relax by the fireplace before leaving afterward) Instead we took a wonderful recommendation from our fully "engaged" server and enjoyed a Manhattan with a twist and another interesting drink at our table. We also enjoyed perusing their "box" of drinks and wines, a fun presentation. Steak spring rolls and a mushroom appetizer started us off, we enjoyed each amazing bite, the lightness of the seasoning, the unique multi-layered flavors. We couldn't help but notice the continual flow of other really interesting plates of food coming from the kitchen. But when our perfectly grilled lamb chops and almond-encrusted chicken marinated overnight in buttermilk arrived, all we could do was enjoy the experience. . . scalloped potatoes how they were supposed to taste, creamed arugula who's slight acidity offset the sweet marinate of the lamb. Between the orchestration of the entire meal (highly attentive wait staff, busboys, and manager timed everything impeccably) and the amazing flavors, the whole experience was perfect! We'd come back from DC just for another meal at LJs! Does this thing go to 6?
(5)
Marianne C.
Atmosphere is really hip and chic. This is my 3 rd visit over the last 6 yrs. Good to see the ambiviance and atmosphere had not declined any. The manager was terrific very personable and sure was ontop of seeing everything running smoothly. Our meal was devine , although 4 stars as prices are $$$. Ordered the Tuna sushi which was delictable but could use as few more veggies such as carrot slivers or snow peas . Love the Kit Kat lounge for a predinner martinni . Brought a family member for her BD and was surprised that a special menu was printed for her with her name. The Manager really tries to make you feel like a welcomed dining guest !
(4)
Erica F.
i know i should write reviews on crappy restaurants so it doesn't seem like I give everything 5 stars, but I just don't get excited to review places unless i find them to be truly awesome. and this is just such a place. they actually created menu pages for my mom and i that were customized for our birthday dinner, with our names on then. and little "happy birthday" confetti on our table. The chairs and cushions were as comfortable as any I've ever sat on...or in. The ambiance was relaxing and warm, with a fireplace and rows of West Elm-esque candles on the table. I definitely didn't feel like I was in Hagerstown. (Nothing personal, it's just that I now live in NYC, and having grown up in Hagerstown, I wouldn't have expected an upper east side ambiance.) So that was surprising to say the least. i started with a salad with julienne fuji apples, blue cheese and candied pecans. amazing. i tasted the spring rolls which were sitting on top of a mandarin orange chili marmalade. those spring rolls were the highlight of the appetizers for sure. My entree was actually an appetizer, and was probably the best thing on the menu. At least it was my favorite of everything I tried. Lobster on a bed of homemade, creamy, savory grits. It's been hours and I still can't stop thinking about how amazing that was. I really should have stopped eating at that point, but it was my mom's and my birthday dinner. So how could i? I couldn't decide between creme brulee and homemade candy corn ice cream so I got them both. REALLY glad I did that, although I'm truly immobilized right now and almost comatose. But you know...with a smile. The espresso was pretty weak, but came with a YUMMY brownie square, so it made up for it. All in all, it's the best meal I think I've ever had in Hagerstown, outside of my mom's house. And I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Jason D.
This was an unexpectedly good find in Hagerstown, Maryland. My parents were so pleased with their meal that they sent my brother and me, along with our wives, for a birthday celebration. The food was definitely worthy of the occasion! The wine list was respectable but we all ordered by the glass, so I won't bore you with the details. For appetizers, we definitely enjoyed the Revithokeftedes (the server couldn't pronounce it either, so don't feel bad), but the Japanese Hush Puppies were even better. For entrees, two in our group ordered the Chicken with Cashew Crust, and would definitely order it again. I'm not a big fan of ordering chicken in restaurants, but I would definitely consider ordering that dish on my next visit. The Yellow Fin Tuna was well prepared, but don't consider ordering it unless you like thin slices of tuna seared on the outside, very rare on the inside. And the Wild Scallops were phenomenal! I had never considered scallops with an Indian flare, but the combination was actually quite delicious. We were all pretty full by the time the dessert menus were passed around, but we got a creme brulee to share. They were doing a Bananas Foster spin to the creme brulee that was an unusual, but tasty, twist. We will definitely come back in the future!
(5)
Laci R.
MY STORY: I mentioned after making a reservation online that I would like a secluded area because I'm coming after my wedding. I was FLOORED by the service that was given to us the moment we got there. Myself, my wife, and our two friends were seated away from other reserved seating to ensure our first request. Upon getting there my wife noticed a comfortable booth like couch seating and they immediately accommodated and switched our seating arrangement. They had made us special menus that we were able to take home that said "congratulations on the wedding!" With our date. STAFF: The entire staff were quick to respond to all requests as well as VERY on top of beverage refills (a rare find I've noticed). SCENE: The atmosphere was very fancy and sophisticated yet laid back with a sense of modern style and "lounge" type scene. I was nervous at first with the choice given of the special occasion but I could not be more satisfied with the decision! Excellent :) FOOD QUALITY: The food was about a 3.5 out of 5, but any issues we had or less than satisfied notions of our order were happily taken care of by the staff.
(5)
Scott O.
Their Flatbread appetizer with fresh mozzarella is awesome. Love their Steak Sandwich, Tuna and Burger! Everything is always great and Zack tends a great bar!
(4)
Ginny S.
We visited LJ's 7 Feb and not disappointedly! Incredible, ever changing menu! If you want a truly 5+ Star meal, try the 6 course meal with the wine pairing! We always have this and are not disappointed. Delicious flavors and the wines enhance the flavors of the meal. they give you just a few bites of each tasting, but it is so much food!! The Tenderloin Raguand Scallops were my Husbands favorite! mine was also the Scallops! best we have ever had. But I also LOVED the Guinea Hen. Just incredible!! If you would love to experience, really experience the tasting of foods, then this place and the tasting type of meal is for you. 5 stars again!!!
(5)
Monica R.
Beautiful ambiance and restaurant decorations inside!! The host and waitstaff were such a pleasure and the food was delicious!!! Thank you again for making my birthday weekend so memorable! :)
(4)
Stephanie M.
Awesome experience here. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. As soon as you sit down, the wait staff engages you in conversation about the city, the food, activities in and around the community - we felt as though we among friends! As first time visitors to the restaurant, we were encouraged to try items from the original menu from 10 years ago. We were not disappointed! The time-tested chicken with cashew crust and truffle potatoes and the New York Strip steak are beyond delectable! Everything was moist and well cooked AND seasoned!! The libations are great and the wine list is extensive. The restaurant prides itself on making its own bread and salad dressing among other things. The entire experience was amazing. A must experience when passing through Hagerstown
(4)
Michael S.
There was not a single thing I liked about this place and very few things I liked about the food. I do try to avoid giving bad reviews for mediocrity, but with the prices they charge they need to up their game. This is the first time I ate here and will be the last. Read on if you want more information--given all the glowing reviews I feel like I need to provide justification for the one star. About the ambiance. It was trying too hard to be "trendy"--I guess to justify the ridiculous prices charged for sampler size portions. The bar area was quite nice, and made me hopeful. However, once we went into the dining room that hope faded. I've been to places where they do the open kitchen right, this was not one of those places. It just gave us a view of the angry chef yelling at the kids in the back and open boxes of assorted foodstuff. If you're going to put your kitchen on display, it better be display worthy! Our waiter was the only one decently dressed among the staff, and the owner looked sharp with his orange suede shoes, but the rest of the staff looked like they rolled out of bed, picked their clothes off the floor, and rolled into work. The music was very loud, and my wife and I found ourselves shouting to have a conversation. We were next to the wineglass rack, and were able to watch the staff put away dishes during our entire dinner. Finally, the boss must have had a pep talk about filling water glasses, because one sip of water had them running over to refill that missing sip. About the food. We ate the six courses with wine pairing, and not a single thing stood out and wowed us. A few of the wines selections were atrocious and undrinkable. A few of the courses were equally horrible. At first we were given a cracker with a bacon crumble on it, which is a strange choice for a palate cleanser, but it was OK. First was the lobster "bisque". A tomato puree that tasted like Campbell's canned tomato soup with a couple small pieces of lobster in the bottom. This came with the smallest sandwich I've ever eaten, about the size of a postage stamp. The waiter told me what kind of special cheese it was, but it tasted a lot like cheap brie on toast. It was paired with a dry sherry that was actually decent. Second was the salad. The "crunch" provided by peanut brittle. I think that says all I need to say about that. The wine was truly disgusting. It tasted like I shoved my foot in my mouth and removed it just long enough to sip a mediocre red. Third course was halibut, a forgiving fish that is hard to mess up. Well, unless you severely overcook it like it was. Paired with it--a nearly undrinkable white Pinot Gris. At this point, I realized this wasn't going to be a very good experience. Fourth course was a NY strip. It was actually decent. Well, mine was. I ate the only real enjoyable portion of the meal with gusto, and looked over at my wife who was poking at her meal. I tried a bit of hers and found it was raw. At least the Syrah paired with it was mediocre instead of awful. On to the desserts! First up, a blondie. How could you mess up a blondie? Well, for one, make it taste like it was made last month. It had a stale taste with an even worse stale aftertaste. The wine, a Prosecco, was actually great and easily the best one, not that the bar was set too high. The sixth and final course was a Duncan Hines cake...I mean the truffle cake. I've seriously had better cakes out of a box. I did like the flavor, a dark chocolate with little in the way of sweetener. However, it's a risky choice, and most people--my wife included--enjoy a little sweetness with their dessert. There wasn't even a hint of Grand Marnier on the strawberries thrown on top. The tawny port that came with it was a safe bet. This was the most we've spent on a dinner ever, and boy do I feel foolish. With some of the best restaurants just a little hop away in Frederick, and better food at cheaper places nearby, I hope this was just a bad night for them and not routine. If it is routine, I think the place is more about the brand and feeling expensive rather than serving the quality food and wine I'm accustomed to at this price point.
(1)
Bobby I.
Pretty good, garlic spinach was room temperature and didn't have much flavor. The ny strip was pretty tasty as it was smoked. Good atmosphere and extensive drink list
(3)
Adriane H.
My husband and I had been to LJ's many times before, and had loved it, so we talked our friend and her 2 kids into joining us after skiing at Whitetale. It was out of the way for them as they had to drive back to the resort after dinner and then to Falls Church that same evening. We mentioned that we loved going to Hagerstown for this restaurant. Sadly things didn't live up to our hype. We initially went into the lounge because we were just wearing jeans but realized that the menu was the same as in the restaurant. We therefore asked to be moved to the dining room, and were seated at a large round table that was in a corner. It was extremely drafty and some of us wore our coats. The restaurant was not full and many patrons were wearing jeans as well. The food was not as we had remembered it and nothing seemed very special. My friend and I ordered a cocktail that was just ok. Our caesar salads before dinner were just ordinary. My friend's daughter ordered the lobster bisque and when asked later in the evening about why she hadn't eaten much of her small bowl, she said it was too salty. We all took a spoonful and agreed that it was awful. My friend mentioned it to one of the servers and again to our waiter. He thanked us but at the end of the night didn't take it off of the bill. We were also disappointed that you had to pay $3 for a tiny loaf of bread. It looked like it was the size of a loaf made in an child's Easy Bake oven. I don't recall ever being charged for bread anywhere. This just seemed cheap to all of us. When our waiter asked us if we wanted desserts, and when we didn't respond quickly enough for him, he just walked away! Not "why don't I give you a few more minutes to decide" or something along those lines. It was really bizarre. On a plus he did give us all spoons so we could try the one dessert that was ordered and which was very good. The young girl who filled up our water glasses was also excellent. It was a nice courtesy for her to refill the girls Shirley Temples. We have lived all over the world, and eaten at many amazing restaurants and the one thing I hate is waiters with attitude. We were wondering if he was one of the owners but I sort of doubt it. We won't be back to LJ's again or recommend it to anyone. Something has changed and unfortunately not for the better.
(2)
Tanya S.
Very good food and excellent customer service. The ambiance is great. Full view of the kitchen staff. Will visit again when I'm in the area. The tres berry cake was very good but I wished they had a bread pudding:(
(4)
Stacy A.
We stopped in for dessert one night. We both had the strawberry pie and were disappointed. While it was very artistic, it was not at all a pie. It was more like a flan. The chocolate pretzel crust was also soggy. Instead of a strawberry coulis, which would've been nice, the plate was decorated with a flavorless gelatinous goo. We also ordered ice cream with it and the ice cream was not much bigger than what you'd get with a melon ball scooper. Though the portion was very small, the ice cream was good. Additionally, our waitress attempted to take our plates before we finished. On the plus side, the restaurant was very nicely decorated with an inviting atmosphere although the AC vent kept dripping on us. Next time we're in town I might give it another try for dinner.
(3)
Richard B.
Discovering LJ's and the Kat Lounge in Hagerstown was like finding a haven of gourmet quality and service in our neighborhood. We moved to the area from Philadelphia where we often frequented quality dining establishments. LJ's can hold its own with the best of them. The menu is creative, and the portions just right. They change the menu enough to keep it interesting. The presentation is attractive and the staff is excellent. The cocktails are also unique and change frequently. The wine list is worth a detailed review, and I encourage you to do a wine pairing with the tasting menu if offered. The decor is pleasing and modern, featuring nice stonework and earth tones, unique lighting, and an attractive gas fireplace. They do have some outdoor seating for the warmer season. Due to the unique design of the main dining room, the chef and the kitchen are very much in view, and you can witness first hand the care that goes into preparing your meal. If you have any food allergies, they will move heaven and earth to ensure your comfort and satisfaction. And despite this high class fare, dress code is casual and comfortable. Dress up if you must, but you won't feel out if place in jeans. Although we have not patronized the Kat Lounge portion of the establishment yet, we have peered in and found it to be warm and inviting. And this is where the creative cocktails come from, so I am sure we would find it to our satisfaction. Go. Enjoy. Hagerstown needs to support this high quality level of dining.
Oh my. I've been to this wonderful restaurant 3 times and I have not been disappointed by one thing. The service, the ambience, the food, the wine, the clever drinks, the presentation.... it's all perfect. We started out with drinks. LJ's cleverly presents its drink menu from within a box with a card for each drink. It feels like you're going through Gramma's recipe box, except each drink sounds better than the one before it. "THE CHESHIRE KAT: ST. GEORGE ABSINTHE, COINTREAU, ORANGE TWIST, FOAM!" Although they all sounded tempting, I'm a sucker for mojitos, especially good ones. I suspected their mojito would be non par, and I wasn't wrong. The mint tasted freshly picked, and the drink had just the right amount of fizz. And it wasn't ostentatiously large (HEY LOOK! I'M DRINKING A REALLY BIG DRINK! I hate that) We did order a bottle of wine. Isn't that awful? I can't remember what kind we got. Their wine list is extensive, and a good price spread is represented. Their menu is interesting in that you can order from a "Tasting Menu" or a regular menu. They also allow you to order ala carte from the Tasting Menu. I got one of the specials, Scallops Pad Thai. The scallops alone were wonderful, seared on the outside, and mellow inside. The Pad Thai, I kid you not, was the best I've ever had -- and I've been to Thai restaurants in DC, NY, and everywhere in between. The spiciness was just enough to make me warm, the sour was right on point, all tempered by the slightly sweet tang. Everybody else seemed equally as delighted with their food. Our service was impeccable. Our waiter (Alan?) was attentive without being overbearing. The other wait staff must've had the same training: our water was poured, our plates removed, new food appeared in a well-choreographed presentation. The food looked as beautiful as it tasted. We will return again and again for special occasions. It is on the pricey side, but it's definitely worth it. Check out their website for their special menus. They have brunch once a month - I definitely have to try that one of these days - and "Family Sunday Meals" once a month as well I believe. It's wonderful to have such an innovative restaurant within an hour of home.
(5)
Victoria Z.
Hagerstown is not the place I'd expect to have such a posh venue as LJ's and the Kat Lounge, but I am so glad it is! The staff is very knowledgeable about the eclectic menu and everything is made fresh, right down to the bread and butter. They have a very extensive wine list, a wine box to be exact, so we opted to have the waiter recommend the best bottle to accompany our entrees. I won't go through our entire meal, but the endive salad and the truffle scalloped potatoes are a must try. The dimly lit room, sparkling chandeliers and tasteful decor create a very romantic atmosphere, perfect for a quiet dinner date. Giving LJ's five stars was a no brainer.
(5)
Frances S.
I had dinner here for the second time last night for special occasion. I noticed that they had done some renovations to the place and was excited about the new menu although I found it quite limited. Nothing called out to me, to be honest other than the burger. It was awful. They put Boursin cheese on it and it doesn't go. I wanted to leave and just go to Five Guys. My husband had a salad and asked for salmon. It was blah. The desserts were really good though. We had a special cheesecake with goat cheese. It was a very small portion but very good. The tres leche was not a tres leche but still very good cake. The two stars are mostly for service because the staff is delightful but the food needs a lot of help. I'm also disappointed that they no longer do the welcoming screen with your name and the confetti on the table for the special occasion. And the gift that they gave us was bread to go. Once again a disappointment since I preferred the herbed bread before the renovation and the gift bread should have been offered in the beginning. I don't have a choice but to keep hoping that they improve since I live in town but I preferred their offerings prior to the renovation. How can you get a burger wrong?
(2)
Cassandra K.
A hidden gem in Hagerstown
(5)
Colette P.
Food is fantastic. I liked the more formal atmosphere before the renovation, but still the best place in town. try the steak sandwich as it is awesome with yummy blue cheese. I hope they go back to a menu that changes it up, but I will continue to be a fan.
(5)
JenniLynn H.
The service here is excellent. We brought my mom here for her birthday, and they created a special "Happy Birthday" menu for her. The kids menu comes in a children's book, which I thought was adorable. The food is delicious. My favorite is the lounge specials on Fridays & Saturdays - usually an INCREDIBLE burger with tasty fries & your choice of beer or wine for $10! Can't beat it.
I have to say this a fine restaurant. Great service, great atmosphere, and yes great food. The wife loved her Venison, though she previously said she hated deer. I urged her to try again. She said it was perfectly cooked & after a long hiatus she has turned to love game again. The mother in law, one to grumble at any little in perfection declared her steak to be perfect. Me? I'm a vegetarian, the place listed many vegetarian options online. Truth be told there was one. And not the best. Basically morning star cutlets. That's the sole reason for the lack of five stars. Just a great vegetarian option so I don't feel left out.
(4)
Bob S.
Had dinner with friends at LJs and Kat several weeks back. Our dinner companions recommended it. Restaurant has an upscale (for Hagerstown) and modern look to it. I enjoyed the open flow of the seating area that allowed us to view the kitchen. Service was very good and attentive. For starters our waitress recommended the turkey wings. Had to say I was a little thrown off by the idea but they were good. Also tried the house-made potato chips; okay.. Followed that up with a caesar salad. For dinner one of our party selected the salmon; she raved about it. I tried the pork t-bone; was okay. Wife had the hanger steak; she said it was just okay. And another had the crab-cakes. Overall the food was fine (other the salmon) but not spectacular.
(3)
Paul H.
I suppose that I am just slightly confused by all the 5* ratings of this establishment. I have dined here on 6 occasions for dinner in the larger room. I have been to the lounge area for happy hour 5 times as well. Given the limited dining options in Hagerstown, the age old adage "in the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king" must apply here. I find the entrees to be overwhelmingly mediocre and have all the hallmarks associated with lackadaisical, uninspired cookery. For instance, they offer a fried chicken option. For a moment, think of everything you like about fried chicken. Now take it all away. Instead consider what stringy, strands of grayish meat and a shell of fried bread crumbs would taste like. Order the entree and tell me I'm wrong. What LJs $21 fried chicken does to Southern cooking, its $25 Mahi Mahi does to fresh seafood. Take a dish that is supposed to be tender and beautifully cooked. Add to it 3000 mg of NaCl with an overexposure to a convection oven and the final product is a hypertension-inducing foodstuff that may very well have been preserved from the hull of the Mayflower for those pilgrims brave enough to sample it. Still, I always end up drinking well. As you can see I offered this business multiple occasions to prove themselves worthy of the title of Hagerstown's only good restaurant as many have proclaimed on Yelp. I will go back for happy hour, but will continue to make the trip to Frederick for local evening dining options.
(2)
Kristy B.
This place is amazing and delicious! The service is excellent, the atmosphere is great, and the food is wonderful. Nothing to complain about here! This place is a gem in Hagerstown!
(5)
Dawne V.
I have been going to LJ & the Kat Lounge since shortly after they opened. I moved to the Hagerstown area 9 years ago from Ft. Lauderdale, FL and back then there was only one 'good' restaurant around. When LJ's opened I had to check it out. In the dozens of times I've eaten here the food is consistently delicious! The menu is creative and eclectic. Combinations of ingredients that seem like they will clash seem to complement each other and make a scrumptious dish out of something I would never order anywhere else. Great wine list, beer list and good selection of liquors/liqueurs. Some say the portions are small but I can't recall a time I left there hungry. You have to try the lounge specials on the weekends. Whoever came up with the idea is a marketing genious, as it draws people in who otherwise would not come in and they end up loving it and coming back for regular menu items.
(5)
Reginald E.
I took a date here for dinner. We started out with the mussels and it was pretty good. The bread with the house made butter mix was excellent. I loved it. The main course came out and I had the sirloin cooked medium rare with mushrooms and it was very good. The salt really brought out the taste in the food. My date had the quail and she really liked it. For desert we had a chocolate dish and it was pretty good. The service was excellent. I had a good time and would recommend it to anyone.
(4)
Heather R.
My husband & I went for a light dinner for his birthday and ended up having a four course meal. We sat in the lounge because we didn't have a reservation & didn't feel like getting dressed up. The menu was so tempting we couldn't decide what to try. Thankfully, our server, Zachary, was able to give us great recommendations and every single item was to die for! We had the lobster app over creamy grits, an endive salad with blue cheese, the house salad with a lemon dressing that was sprinkled with fresh dill & parsley. The bread was warm and fresh. The entrees were so good I couldn't stop eating! My husband had the NY strip which was cooked to a perfect med-rare and I tried the Rockfish which was moist, full of flavor & presented beautifully. Desert for my husband was the bread pudding (which they bought since it was a special occasion) and I tried their carrot cake. My husband had several cocktails from the bar and they were all strong & delicious. The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly and we were able to talk to each other without yelling. I did take a peek in the main dining area and it looked nice, clean & inviting. The restroom was clean and they even provide guests with actual towels to dry their hands! You simply put your used towel in the bin when finished with it. I can't believe such a place exists in Hagerstown! We will be back for sure!
(5)
Katie S.
What a great find in Washington County. I have lived just out DC all my life and I'm so thankful to have a fine dining experience available in Hagerstown. The food and service was superb.
(5)
Gaurav D.
Very nice ambience. Sounds like a night club but surprisingly nice bar.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : Yes Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Heather C.
They rock at LJs food is always perfect.
(5)Ms. P.
This is a great restaurant and lounge for adults--for the sexy adult. It is pricey but if crave quality then this is your place. Im vegan and I was able to make substitutions on my meal.
(5)Alison M.
Let me just say, I'm giving this 4 stars because of the atmosphere,service & because Hagerstown lacks fine dining restaurants. I took my parents here and while they thought their food was just OK, my chicken was dry as a bone. The apps were ok though. Portions are tiny, but that is usually the case with fine dining. Its very expensive and to us, you're paying for the fine dining experience, not the food. I'm from NYC, believe me, i know fine dining, this is fine dining for Hagerstown. If you are on a date and want to impress, then this is the place but the food doesn't match the pretentious atmosphere. We won't be going back.
(4)Adam K.
We came here for a special occasion but were less than satisfied. The atmosphere and service were great but the food quality was lacking. Three of us ordered filets medium rare but they were medium well. The filets were also fatty which I wouldn't expect from a filet. The crab cakes seemed less than fresh and fell apart but not in a good way. The sides were okay but overly seasoned and salted. The wine list was a bit strange because each wine is on a card in a box. A cute idea but strange concept. It was $160 for four of us but the food certainly wasn't worth the price. Maybe we went on an off night but I won't be returning to find out if that's the case.
(2)Bridgette R.
Best place in Hagerstown. Always something new.
(5)Stephanie C.
We had drinks and apps in the lounge by the fire and it was perfect. We then went over to the dining room for the tasting menu. It was very well put together, wonderful pairings as well. Each dish was decribed well and the dinner went at a perfect pace, not rushed nor did we have to wait for our courses. Overall a great experience and far better than I ever expected to find in Hagerstown.
(5)Sarah B.
Attempted to dine for a quick early dinner in LJ's bar area. They open at 4:30pm. I walked in just a few minutes shy (4:27pm) to find the staff (quite understandably) having a bite prior to the dinner rush. What was odd, however, is that all scattered and none acknowledged me. I took a seat, waiting for the bartender (who I assure you DID see me walk in) to acknowledge me. I waited for a couple of minutes--I'm the only one here--and she did. Barkeep proceeded to give me a drink menu & explain that their evening menu was still being printed (again, understandably) and I could order when that arrived. I told her that all I wanted was a burger (which I know from prior experience that they have every day). She repeated that I could order AFTER I received the menu, brought me a water, and then disappeared. I couldn't even get a drink order placed! Everyone in the place acted downright frightened of a customer! I waited several more minutes (during which I was ignored) before leaving for 5 Guys Across the Street. In summary, for a upscale-ish dining establishment, please don't make guests wait to order run-of-the-mill items, wait to order drinks, or generally avoid them like the plague.
(2)Jamie K.
Ok so I'll admit, I am am *not* a foodie by any means. If it tastes good, I don't care about the execution, how unique or true to form it is... That said, I'm also not fully experienced in true fine dining, which LJ's definitely was in my books (more on this later). First, the food was phenomenal - we started with wine and an app, wait staff being very prompt and courteous. I had a seasonal Mahi Mahi and my date the tuna. I would estimate the resturant was between 1/2 and 2/3 of full capacity, but the food came quickly. The entrees were so good that despite how hungry I was, I couldn't help but take my time and savor every bite! We finished with a small desert (pound lemon cake, which wasn't honestly all that exciting) and rounded the night off with a few drinks from the lounge. The dinner bill was around $110, but when you consider we had an app, four (alcoholic) drinks, two entrees, and desert, I think that's reasonable. My only complaint (and to be fair, perhaps this is simply a caliper of dining I'm not used to) is the *constant* interruption by wait staff for 'formalities'. I lost count how many times they came to swap (yes, swap) silverware, every time seemingly a different person. They were so very robotic and impersonal, that it made me feel a bit uncomfortable (and slightly annoyed). I get it, it's how five dining is done, but they need to loosen up a bit. All in all, I'll definitely go back, the food was indeed amazing. I'll certainly reserve this place for those special dates, to entertain family, friends, business associates, or simply to prove to anyone that there are some very nice reasons to be living in this area. :)
(4)Vincent V.
When there with 6 members of my family and found the food to be tasty but with taster portions. I had ordered Cod that was presented on sticky rice that was sitting in oil - on to which the waitress pours soy sauce without asking. I ate some of the Cod but the predominant taste was of the oil. The waiter ask about our meals and I voiced my difficulty with the Cod. He offered to remove it from the bill or receive something else. I had tasted the Artic Char and liked it and I was given it as a substitute. The portion for all 7 of us were small but tasty and a tad overpriced.
(3)Linda F.
Met with friends for happy hour. We have been here often, however, tonight was a great disappointment. The special was fish tacos. Just wish there had been some fish in it. Very small amount, have had better fish tacos at fast food venues!! LJ's had been our go to favorite but after a few disappointments, it will be a while before we return.
(2)Lindsey H.
Was not a fan. Had the potential to be pretty fancy but just didn't do it for me. We had some powdered bacon appetizer which was really weird tasting and kind of disappointing. The only spectacular thing we had were the mashed potatoes.
(2)Cliff B.
OMG!!! ... The best! ... and I mean THE BEST place to eat in Hagerstown! Being from The South we have a love for food, and people, and atmosphere ...especially among friends. That's what you get when you go to LJ's for a fantastic meal or simply a drink in the lounge. The chefs always have the most fantastic creations that delight your tastebuds and arouse all your other senses. The hosts are always lovely, helpful and amazingly friendly. One things we've noticed about Hagerstown is that it's a town of hidden treasures. You have to live here awhile to find all the golden nuggets spread around town. LJ's is the El Dorado of Central Maryland! One of the things that many people do not know is that the menu is changed every so often and the whole staff has a private dinner and tasting session to learn all of the intricacies of the entire new menu. This brainstorming results in having the best information possible shared with you by your server while you're choosing what you'd like to eat. If you don't leave LJ's having had the best possible experience... I'll eat my shirt! Oh, and LJ's isn't just some big, fancy, schmancy locale where you have to get all dressed up to feel like you'll fit in. There is always a fancy, schmancy $10 burger and fries & A BEER! item on the menu or something similar to tickle your fancy. So, don't expect that if you go to LJ's you're going to have to spend a fortune. Because YOU'RE NOT!!! So, go! Go! GO!!! Try it out! You won't be disappointed!
(5)Elaine B.
One of the best meals we've ever eaten has been at LJs. The menu changes periodically because they use local ingredients in season. If they ever bring back the sweet potato gnocchi we'll be back every day!
(5)brent h.
Lj's is great! The Kat lounge is just as good. Try out the Kat lounge special on Friday and Saturday if you are looking for great food at a great price.
(5)Kathy O.
We ate here - thanks to Yelp - while driving from Cleveland to the Eastern Shore on vacation. I used Yelp to find something other than the standard fare offered close to highway exit ramps (you can only eat at Bob Evans so many times!) and we like supporting local independent restaurants. Had a reservation but we had to wait quite awhile for our table beyond our reservation time, but as it turned out, it was prom or homecoming or something in Hagerstown (we were there in late May) and the place was full of dance goers, so I guess I won't fault them for that. Food was very nice, not over-the-top-great, but very nice. If you are considering it, give them a try. I was a little concerned about the name (we had our sons along).
(4)Ryan P.
I booked this place for a fancy night out for my husband and I before the symphony. I had read all the reviews and found them generally favorable. When we walked in we were pleasantly greeted by the hostess who offered to take our coats. We were then shown to our table in the elegant dining room. A wonderful table right by the roaring fireplace and underneath the gleaming chandeliers. The waitress we had was exceptional. She was so kind, attentive, and gracious to our every whim. She made sure that we got our orders on time, but not rushed so as to make the concert on time. We were hungry enough to start with an appetizer, but the mussels looked amazing, I'll have to try them next time we come. We both started with "kat-tails" I had the Kat-tini which was similar to a fuzzy navel, and my husband had the kat on a hot tin roof (he loves chocolate). The cocktails were delicious and very expertly prepared. It was such a nice tough to have them poured table side! We then ordered our entrees. I had the Chicken and my husband ordered the Cannelloni. My chicken, as the waitress told me, is soaked in buttermilk for two days and then tossed in a cashew coating. It was very moist and tender with a scrumptious flavor. The corn relish on top added just a hint of sweetness and the truffle scalloped potatoes with it were phenomenal. My husband's dish was so flavorful, from the beef filling to the sauce, to the mozzarella melted on top that was to die for! Our dinners were also served with elegant salads and homemade rolls and butter. I loved the rolls and artisan butter. If you get the salad, get it with the bleu cheese crumbles. It makes all the difference. My only suggestion for any dish that we had was for the salad. It needed a better green than the romaine. Either a butter or boston lettuce would've been more sufficient, or even a field mix. I adored their desserts. The doughnut bread pudding with the candied pecans and cranberry ice cream was out of this world. My husbands chocolate peanut butter ice cream was mind blowing!!! Hands down one of the best chocolate peanut butter combination feats I have ever put in my mouth!!! For all that we had we very satisfied and thought the bill was reasonable for the level of cuisine and service we received. My only quip would be that they change the menu four times a year rather than three. A new rotation is kind of needed this time of year or introduce some dishes that are less autumn inspired and more Christmas/ Winter themed into the menu gradually. For those who keep saying negative things about this and other higher-end places and their location in Hagerstown I say this. Hagerstown is a good city with a diverse population and it does have class and elegance in it. Popular opinion may lead you to believe otherwise, but I think a place like LJ's fits very nicely with Hagerstown and we enjoyed it greatly. We will definitely return in the near future, fully knowing what to expect. One must realize that not all restaurants are casual, cheap gluttonous feeding places. LJ's caters to the refined foodies of Hagerstown and I, for one, appreciate it!
(5)Kathy D.
For every special occasion with my boyfriend's family there is no question that we go to LJ's for that experience. I have come here about 5-6 times over the past four years and I have not been disappointed with the caliber of service and the quality of their food. Speaking of service, for those very special occasions they always make a special menu with "Happy Birthday" or "Happy Anniversary" inside and place confetti on the table. It's a nice touch that is overlooked by 98% of the restaurants. The decor is immaculate - it's as if they spent 2/3 of their business development working on the ideal dining environment, every detail really enhances the experience from the leather curtains as you walk in, to the cheetah print carpet, to the kitchen being the focal point. The lounge area would surpass some Washington (and maybe some New York) lounges. The bartenders have a strong attention to detail and make the cocktails so well. The food - well - is superb. I have never had a bad meal here. The chicken is one of my favorites - you would be impressed that it tastes like your great-grandmother's old style entree. It's amazing, out of the ordinary, but at the same time it "fits" Hagerstown. The steaks are *always* done correctly to order. The wine list is expansive and the wait staff is very knowledgeable about which glass to recommend with dinner. One last thing - the restrooms. I walked in and I felt like I was at a spa. It's very elegant and relaxing (I guess you would want that). They thought of everything from the cloth towels (no paper - nice) and the sink is clear glass with a dim light shining up (which looks really cool). It's too bad for Washingtonians that LJ's is all the way in Hagerstown or I would go more often.
(5)Elaine W.
I enjoy dining at modern & posh places like this, the experience is always fun & you enjoy yourself, others, and the food is superb. The customer service was awesome!! I couldn't have ask for a better waitstaff. Our waiter was knowledge about the food items and when asked could make suggestions based on what they tasted. The drink menu was great! It had a variety to choose from. I had the pomengranate slash some fruit martini. Delicious! I ordered the Veal steak with asparagus. It had a lot of chewy fattiness to it but was very good and juicy. My friends had Country Fried Chicken, crab meat, and fish. Food was upto par and very, very tasty...I should say scrumptious!! Rolls were complimentary. The salads were awesome! We each ordered different desserts. I had the chocolate dome with custard ice cream. Mmm! My friends had the creme brulee (yum) and vanilla ice cream. Check out the decor. Zebra-printed seats and booths, red throw pillows, comfy modern chairs, lighted up fireplace, modern fixtures, transparent waterfall at the restrooms. Fresh rolled up washclothes in the restrooms and round sink bowls, It's a little dim inside but it's relaxing, like a spa!! It's quite the experience, not many places in Hagerstown like this unless you are headed to DC, Baltimore, Fairfax in VA like Tyson's Corner. I'm about half hour from this cool place. I definitely would come again soon!!
(3)Kate H.
Love, love love LJ's and especially the Kat lounge. I first started to go to LJ's with my husband when we were hosting his out of town coworkers to dinner. The decor is modern, the wait staff is professional, and the food is amazing! The dining room is def an experience! Loved it so much that I had my bachelorette (sorry, I never spell that right) dinner there! Can't forget to mention the Kat lounge and their amazing weekly lounge specials! The burger special is to die for! $10 for the best burger in town, fries and a glass of beer or wine! They even cater to my gluten free needs. We love to sit at the bar and watch the bartenders mix up the drinks and also to chat with the other customers! Highly recommend this place! It's one of our go to places!
(5)Jon P.
We've eaten at LJ's dozens of times. We've gone for dinner, Sunday brunches, holiday brunches, and have reservations for Christmas Eve dinner. The food is well prepared and very fine. Any spices or sauces highlight the food and never overwhelm or cover it. The menu changes with the season, plus there are weekly updates so there is plenty of variety. If you get on their mailing list (see their website) they send out menu updates and special occasion announcements. The ambiance is smart metropolitan and it really takes you back the first time you walk-in. The kitchen is open and you can watch the chefs prepare and finish the dishes. The wait staff is attentive, professional, and have personality. By our third visit they knew us by name. I can't say enough about LJs.
(5)melissa r.
We were a bit late and as we passed the "lounge" with it's hip zebra patterned couches, wished we had time to sit and enjoy one of their signature drinks. (We did pause and relax by the fireplace before leaving afterward) Instead we took a wonderful recommendation from our fully "engaged" server and enjoyed a Manhattan with a twist and another interesting drink at our table. We also enjoyed perusing their "box" of drinks and wines, a fun presentation. Steak spring rolls and a mushroom appetizer started us off, we enjoyed each amazing bite, the lightness of the seasoning, the unique multi-layered flavors. We couldn't help but notice the continual flow of other really interesting plates of food coming from the kitchen. But when our perfectly grilled lamb chops and almond-encrusted chicken marinated overnight in buttermilk arrived, all we could do was enjoy the experience. . . scalloped potatoes how they were supposed to taste, creamed arugula who's slight acidity offset the sweet marinate of the lamb. Between the orchestration of the entire meal (highly attentive wait staff, busboys, and manager timed everything impeccably) and the amazing flavors, the whole experience was perfect! We'd come back from DC just for another meal at LJs! Does this thing go to 6?
(5)Marianne C.
Atmosphere is really hip and chic. This is my 3 rd visit over the last 6 yrs. Good to see the ambiviance and atmosphere had not declined any. The manager was terrific very personable and sure was ontop of seeing everything running smoothly. Our meal was devine , although 4 stars as prices are $$$. Ordered the Tuna sushi which was delictable but could use as few more veggies such as carrot slivers or snow peas . Love the Kit Kat lounge for a predinner martinni . Brought a family member for her BD and was surprised that a special menu was printed for her with her name. The Manager really tries to make you feel like a welcomed dining guest !
(4)Erica F.
i know i should write reviews on crappy restaurants so it doesn't seem like I give everything 5 stars, but I just don't get excited to review places unless i find them to be truly awesome. and this is just such a place. they actually created menu pages for my mom and i that were customized for our birthday dinner, with our names on then. and little "happy birthday" confetti on our table. The chairs and cushions were as comfortable as any I've ever sat on...or in. The ambiance was relaxing and warm, with a fireplace and rows of West Elm-esque candles on the table. I definitely didn't feel like I was in Hagerstown. (Nothing personal, it's just that I now live in NYC, and having grown up in Hagerstown, I wouldn't have expected an upper east side ambiance.) So that was surprising to say the least. i started with a salad with julienne fuji apples, blue cheese and candied pecans. amazing. i tasted the spring rolls which were sitting on top of a mandarin orange chili marmalade. those spring rolls were the highlight of the appetizers for sure. My entree was actually an appetizer, and was probably the best thing on the menu. At least it was my favorite of everything I tried. Lobster on a bed of homemade, creamy, savory grits. It's been hours and I still can't stop thinking about how amazing that was. I really should have stopped eating at that point, but it was my mom's and my birthday dinner. So how could i? I couldn't decide between creme brulee and homemade candy corn ice cream so I got them both. REALLY glad I did that, although I'm truly immobilized right now and almost comatose. But you know...with a smile. The espresso was pretty weak, but came with a YUMMY brownie square, so it made up for it. All in all, it's the best meal I think I've ever had in Hagerstown, outside of my mom's house. And I'll definitely be back.
(5)Jason D.
This was an unexpectedly good find in Hagerstown, Maryland. My parents were so pleased with their meal that they sent my brother and me, along with our wives, for a birthday celebration. The food was definitely worthy of the occasion! The wine list was respectable but we all ordered by the glass, so I won't bore you with the details. For appetizers, we definitely enjoyed the Revithokeftedes (the server couldn't pronounce it either, so don't feel bad), but the Japanese Hush Puppies were even better. For entrees, two in our group ordered the Chicken with Cashew Crust, and would definitely order it again. I'm not a big fan of ordering chicken in restaurants, but I would definitely consider ordering that dish on my next visit. The Yellow Fin Tuna was well prepared, but don't consider ordering it unless you like thin slices of tuna seared on the outside, very rare on the inside. And the Wild Scallops were phenomenal! I had never considered scallops with an Indian flare, but the combination was actually quite delicious. We were all pretty full by the time the dessert menus were passed around, but we got a creme brulee to share. They were doing a Bananas Foster spin to the creme brulee that was an unusual, but tasty, twist. We will definitely come back in the future!
(5)Laci R.
MY STORY: I mentioned after making a reservation online that I would like a secluded area because I'm coming after my wedding. I was FLOORED by the service that was given to us the moment we got there. Myself, my wife, and our two friends were seated away from other reserved seating to ensure our first request. Upon getting there my wife noticed a comfortable booth like couch seating and they immediately accommodated and switched our seating arrangement. They had made us special menus that we were able to take home that said "congratulations on the wedding!" With our date. STAFF: The entire staff were quick to respond to all requests as well as VERY on top of beverage refills (a rare find I've noticed). SCENE: The atmosphere was very fancy and sophisticated yet laid back with a sense of modern style and "lounge" type scene. I was nervous at first with the choice given of the special occasion but I could not be more satisfied with the decision! Excellent :) FOOD QUALITY: The food was about a 3.5 out of 5, but any issues we had or less than satisfied notions of our order were happily taken care of by the staff.
(5)Scott O.
Their Flatbread appetizer with fresh mozzarella is awesome. Love their Steak Sandwich, Tuna and Burger! Everything is always great and Zack tends a great bar!
(4)Ginny S.
We visited LJ's 7 Feb and not disappointedly! Incredible, ever changing menu! If you want a truly 5+ Star meal, try the 6 course meal with the wine pairing! We always have this and are not disappointed. Delicious flavors and the wines enhance the flavors of the meal. they give you just a few bites of each tasting, but it is so much food!! The Tenderloin Raguand Scallops were my Husbands favorite! mine was also the Scallops! best we have ever had. But I also LOVED the Guinea Hen. Just incredible!! If you would love to experience, really experience the tasting of foods, then this place and the tasting type of meal is for you. 5 stars again!!!
(5)Monica R.
Beautiful ambiance and restaurant decorations inside!! The host and waitstaff were such a pleasure and the food was delicious!!! Thank you again for making my birthday weekend so memorable! :)
(4)Stephanie M.
Awesome experience here. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. As soon as you sit down, the wait staff engages you in conversation about the city, the food, activities in and around the community - we felt as though we among friends! As first time visitors to the restaurant, we were encouraged to try items from the original menu from 10 years ago. We were not disappointed! The time-tested chicken with cashew crust and truffle potatoes and the New York Strip steak are beyond delectable! Everything was moist and well cooked AND seasoned!! The libations are great and the wine list is extensive. The restaurant prides itself on making its own bread and salad dressing among other things. The entire experience was amazing. A must experience when passing through Hagerstown
(4)Michael S.
There was not a single thing I liked about this place and very few things I liked about the food. I do try to avoid giving bad reviews for mediocrity, but with the prices they charge they need to up their game. This is the first time I ate here and will be the last. Read on if you want more information--given all the glowing reviews I feel like I need to provide justification for the one star. About the ambiance. It was trying too hard to be "trendy"--I guess to justify the ridiculous prices charged for sampler size portions. The bar area was quite nice, and made me hopeful. However, once we went into the dining room that hope faded. I've been to places where they do the open kitchen right, this was not one of those places. It just gave us a view of the angry chef yelling at the kids in the back and open boxes of assorted foodstuff. If you're going to put your kitchen on display, it better be display worthy! Our waiter was the only one decently dressed among the staff, and the owner looked sharp with his orange suede shoes, but the rest of the staff looked like they rolled out of bed, picked their clothes off the floor, and rolled into work. The music was very loud, and my wife and I found ourselves shouting to have a conversation. We were next to the wineglass rack, and were able to watch the staff put away dishes during our entire dinner. Finally, the boss must have had a pep talk about filling water glasses, because one sip of water had them running over to refill that missing sip. About the food. We ate the six courses with wine pairing, and not a single thing stood out and wowed us. A few of the wines selections were atrocious and undrinkable. A few of the courses were equally horrible. At first we were given a cracker with a bacon crumble on it, which is a strange choice for a palate cleanser, but it was OK. First was the lobster "bisque". A tomato puree that tasted like Campbell's canned tomato soup with a couple small pieces of lobster in the bottom. This came with the smallest sandwich I've ever eaten, about the size of a postage stamp. The waiter told me what kind of special cheese it was, but it tasted a lot like cheap brie on toast. It was paired with a dry sherry that was actually decent. Second was the salad. The "crunch" provided by peanut brittle. I think that says all I need to say about that. The wine was truly disgusting. It tasted like I shoved my foot in my mouth and removed it just long enough to sip a mediocre red. Third course was halibut, a forgiving fish that is hard to mess up. Well, unless you severely overcook it like it was. Paired with it--a nearly undrinkable white Pinot Gris. At this point, I realized this wasn't going to be a very good experience. Fourth course was a NY strip. It was actually decent. Well, mine was. I ate the only real enjoyable portion of the meal with gusto, and looked over at my wife who was poking at her meal. I tried a bit of hers and found it was raw. At least the Syrah paired with it was mediocre instead of awful. On to the desserts! First up, a blondie. How could you mess up a blondie? Well, for one, make it taste like it was made last month. It had a stale taste with an even worse stale aftertaste. The wine, a Prosecco, was actually great and easily the best one, not that the bar was set too high. The sixth and final course was a Duncan Hines cake...I mean the truffle cake. I've seriously had better cakes out of a box. I did like the flavor, a dark chocolate with little in the way of sweetener. However, it's a risky choice, and most people--my wife included--enjoy a little sweetness with their dessert. There wasn't even a hint of Grand Marnier on the strawberries thrown on top. The tawny port that came with it was a safe bet. This was the most we've spent on a dinner ever, and boy do I feel foolish. With some of the best restaurants just a little hop away in Frederick, and better food at cheaper places nearby, I hope this was just a bad night for them and not routine. If it is routine, I think the place is more about the brand and feeling expensive rather than serving the quality food and wine I'm accustomed to at this price point.
(1)Bobby I.
Pretty good, garlic spinach was room temperature and didn't have much flavor. The ny strip was pretty tasty as it was smoked. Good atmosphere and extensive drink list
(3)Adriane H.
My husband and I had been to LJ's many times before, and had loved it, so we talked our friend and her 2 kids into joining us after skiing at Whitetale. It was out of the way for them as they had to drive back to the resort after dinner and then to Falls Church that same evening. We mentioned that we loved going to Hagerstown for this restaurant. Sadly things didn't live up to our hype. We initially went into the lounge because we were just wearing jeans but realized that the menu was the same as in the restaurant. We therefore asked to be moved to the dining room, and were seated at a large round table that was in a corner. It was extremely drafty and some of us wore our coats. The restaurant was not full and many patrons were wearing jeans as well. The food was not as we had remembered it and nothing seemed very special. My friend and I ordered a cocktail that was just ok. Our caesar salads before dinner were just ordinary. My friend's daughter ordered the lobster bisque and when asked later in the evening about why she hadn't eaten much of her small bowl, she said it was too salty. We all took a spoonful and agreed that it was awful. My friend mentioned it to one of the servers and again to our waiter. He thanked us but at the end of the night didn't take it off of the bill. We were also disappointed that you had to pay $3 for a tiny loaf of bread. It looked like it was the size of a loaf made in an child's Easy Bake oven. I don't recall ever being charged for bread anywhere. This just seemed cheap to all of us. When our waiter asked us if we wanted desserts, and when we didn't respond quickly enough for him, he just walked away! Not "why don't I give you a few more minutes to decide" or something along those lines. It was really bizarre. On a plus he did give us all spoons so we could try the one dessert that was ordered and which was very good. The young girl who filled up our water glasses was also excellent. It was a nice courtesy for her to refill the girls Shirley Temples. We have lived all over the world, and eaten at many amazing restaurants and the one thing I hate is waiters with attitude. We were wondering if he was one of the owners but I sort of doubt it. We won't be back to LJ's again or recommend it to anyone. Something has changed and unfortunately not for the better.
(2)Tanya S.
Very good food and excellent customer service. The ambiance is great. Full view of the kitchen staff. Will visit again when I'm in the area. The tres berry cake was very good but I wished they had a bread pudding:(
(4)Stacy A.
We stopped in for dessert one night. We both had the strawberry pie and were disappointed. While it was very artistic, it was not at all a pie. It was more like a flan. The chocolate pretzel crust was also soggy. Instead of a strawberry coulis, which would've been nice, the plate was decorated with a flavorless gelatinous goo. We also ordered ice cream with it and the ice cream was not much bigger than what you'd get with a melon ball scooper. Though the portion was very small, the ice cream was good. Additionally, our waitress attempted to take our plates before we finished. On the plus side, the restaurant was very nicely decorated with an inviting atmosphere although the AC vent kept dripping on us. Next time we're in town I might give it another try for dinner.
(3)Richard B.
Discovering LJ's and the Kat Lounge in Hagerstown was like finding a haven of gourmet quality and service in our neighborhood. We moved to the area from Philadelphia where we often frequented quality dining establishments. LJ's can hold its own with the best of them. The menu is creative, and the portions just right. They change the menu enough to keep it interesting. The presentation is attractive and the staff is excellent. The cocktails are also unique and change frequently. The wine list is worth a detailed review, and I encourage you to do a wine pairing with the tasting menu if offered. The decor is pleasing and modern, featuring nice stonework and earth tones, unique lighting, and an attractive gas fireplace. They do have some outdoor seating for the warmer season. Due to the unique design of the main dining room, the chef and the kitchen are very much in view, and you can witness first hand the care that goes into preparing your meal. If you have any food allergies, they will move heaven and earth to ensure your comfort and satisfaction. And despite this high class fare, dress code is casual and comfortable. Dress up if you must, but you won't feel out if place in jeans. Although we have not patronized the Kat Lounge portion of the establishment yet, we have peered in and found it to be warm and inviting. And this is where the creative cocktails come from, so I am sure we would find it to our satisfaction. Go. Enjoy. Hagerstown needs to support this high quality level of dining.
(5)Susan P.
Awesome !! What a treat to find such an amazing restaurant in Hagerstown. Service was exceptional and food exceeded expectations. Scallops cooked to perfection. Scalloped potatoes were decadent! Filet outstanding. Only so-so's were salad, which was simply romaine with overpowering vinaigrette, and the mediocre crab cake. Pre-dinner cocktails a great start, especially the ménage a trois and "lemonade". Restaurant about to undergo a much needed "face-lift " . Can't say enough about this place!!!!! Will definitely be back!
(5)Bibi H.
Oh my. I've been to this wonderful restaurant 3 times and I have not been disappointed by one thing. The service, the ambience, the food, the wine, the clever drinks, the presentation.... it's all perfect. We started out with drinks. LJ's cleverly presents its drink menu from within a box with a card for each drink. It feels like you're going through Gramma's recipe box, except each drink sounds better than the one before it. "THE CHESHIRE KAT: ST. GEORGE ABSINTHE, COINTREAU, ORANGE TWIST, FOAM!" Although they all sounded tempting, I'm a sucker for mojitos, especially good ones. I suspected their mojito would be non par, and I wasn't wrong. The mint tasted freshly picked, and the drink had just the right amount of fizz. And it wasn't ostentatiously large (HEY LOOK! I'M DRINKING A REALLY BIG DRINK! I hate that) We did order a bottle of wine. Isn't that awful? I can't remember what kind we got. Their wine list is extensive, and a good price spread is represented. Their menu is interesting in that you can order from a "Tasting Menu" or a regular menu. They also allow you to order ala carte from the Tasting Menu. I got one of the specials, Scallops Pad Thai. The scallops alone were wonderful, seared on the outside, and mellow inside. The Pad Thai, I kid you not, was the best I've ever had -- and I've been to Thai restaurants in DC, NY, and everywhere in between. The spiciness was just enough to make me warm, the sour was right on point, all tempered by the slightly sweet tang. Everybody else seemed equally as delighted with their food. Our service was impeccable. Our waiter (Alan?) was attentive without being overbearing. The other wait staff must've had the same training: our water was poured, our plates removed, new food appeared in a well-choreographed presentation. The food looked as beautiful as it tasted. We will return again and again for special occasions. It is on the pricey side, but it's definitely worth it. Check out their website for their special menus. They have brunch once a month - I definitely have to try that one of these days - and "Family Sunday Meals" once a month as well I believe. It's wonderful to have such an innovative restaurant within an hour of home.
(5)Victoria Z.
Hagerstown is not the place I'd expect to have such a posh venue as LJ's and the Kat Lounge, but I am so glad it is! The staff is very knowledgeable about the eclectic menu and everything is made fresh, right down to the bread and butter. They have a very extensive wine list, a wine box to be exact, so we opted to have the waiter recommend the best bottle to accompany our entrees. I won't go through our entire meal, but the endive salad and the truffle scalloped potatoes are a must try. The dimly lit room, sparkling chandeliers and tasteful decor create a very romantic atmosphere, perfect for a quiet dinner date. Giving LJ's five stars was a no brainer.
(5)Frances S.
I had dinner here for the second time last night for special occasion. I noticed that they had done some renovations to the place and was excited about the new menu although I found it quite limited. Nothing called out to me, to be honest other than the burger. It was awful. They put Boursin cheese on it and it doesn't go. I wanted to leave and just go to Five Guys. My husband had a salad and asked for salmon. It was blah. The desserts were really good though. We had a special cheesecake with goat cheese. It was a very small portion but very good. The tres leche was not a tres leche but still very good cake. The two stars are mostly for service because the staff is delightful but the food needs a lot of help. I'm also disappointed that they no longer do the welcoming screen with your name and the confetti on the table for the special occasion. And the gift that they gave us was bread to go. Once again a disappointment since I preferred the herbed bread before the renovation and the gift bread should have been offered in the beginning. I don't have a choice but to keep hoping that they improve since I live in town but I preferred their offerings prior to the renovation. How can you get a burger wrong?
(2)Cassandra K.
A hidden gem in Hagerstown
(5)Colette P.
Food is fantastic. I liked the more formal atmosphere before the renovation, but still the best place in town. try the steak sandwich as it is awesome with yummy blue cheese. I hope they go back to a menu that changes it up, but I will continue to be a fan.
(5)JenniLynn H.
The service here is excellent. We brought my mom here for her birthday, and they created a special "Happy Birthday" menu for her. The kids menu comes in a children's book, which I thought was adorable. The food is delicious. My favorite is the lounge specials on Fridays & Saturdays - usually an INCREDIBLE burger with tasty fries & your choice of beer or wine for $10! Can't beat it.
(4)Joan H.
Cozy and charming. Had dinner in two luxe chairs pulled up to the fireplace on the lounge side. The crab cake was perfect and contained no filler. The sautéed spinach was also delicious as was the bread. We were so glad we found this place.
(5)Jamie B.
I have to say this a fine restaurant. Great service, great atmosphere, and yes great food. The wife loved her Venison, though she previously said she hated deer. I urged her to try again. She said it was perfectly cooked & after a long hiatus she has turned to love game again. The mother in law, one to grumble at any little in perfection declared her steak to be perfect. Me? I'm a vegetarian, the place listed many vegetarian options online. Truth be told there was one. And not the best. Basically morning star cutlets. That's the sole reason for the lack of five stars. Just a great vegetarian option so I don't feel left out.
(4)Bob S.
Had dinner with friends at LJs and Kat several weeks back. Our dinner companions recommended it. Restaurant has an upscale (for Hagerstown) and modern look to it. I enjoyed the open flow of the seating area that allowed us to view the kitchen. Service was very good and attentive. For starters our waitress recommended the turkey wings. Had to say I was a little thrown off by the idea but they were good. Also tried the house-made potato chips; okay.. Followed that up with a caesar salad. For dinner one of our party selected the salmon; she raved about it. I tried the pork t-bone; was okay. Wife had the hanger steak; she said it was just okay. And another had the crab-cakes. Overall the food was fine (other the salmon) but not spectacular.
(3)Paul H.
I suppose that I am just slightly confused by all the 5* ratings of this establishment. I have dined here on 6 occasions for dinner in the larger room. I have been to the lounge area for happy hour 5 times as well. Given the limited dining options in Hagerstown, the age old adage "in the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king" must apply here. I find the entrees to be overwhelmingly mediocre and have all the hallmarks associated with lackadaisical, uninspired cookery. For instance, they offer a fried chicken option. For a moment, think of everything you like about fried chicken. Now take it all away. Instead consider what stringy, strands of grayish meat and a shell of fried bread crumbs would taste like. Order the entree and tell me I'm wrong. What LJs $21 fried chicken does to Southern cooking, its $25 Mahi Mahi does to fresh seafood. Take a dish that is supposed to be tender and beautifully cooked. Add to it 3000 mg of NaCl with an overexposure to a convection oven and the final product is a hypertension-inducing foodstuff that may very well have been preserved from the hull of the Mayflower for those pilgrims brave enough to sample it. Still, I always end up drinking well. As you can see I offered this business multiple occasions to prove themselves worthy of the title of Hagerstown's only good restaurant as many have proclaimed on Yelp. I will go back for happy hour, but will continue to make the trip to Frederick for local evening dining options.
(2)Kristy B.
This place is amazing and delicious! The service is excellent, the atmosphere is great, and the food is wonderful. Nothing to complain about here! This place is a gem in Hagerstown!
(5)Dawne V.
I have been going to LJ & the Kat Lounge since shortly after they opened. I moved to the Hagerstown area 9 years ago from Ft. Lauderdale, FL and back then there was only one 'good' restaurant around. When LJ's opened I had to check it out. In the dozens of times I've eaten here the food is consistently delicious! The menu is creative and eclectic. Combinations of ingredients that seem like they will clash seem to complement each other and make a scrumptious dish out of something I would never order anywhere else. Great wine list, beer list and good selection of liquors/liqueurs. Some say the portions are small but I can't recall a time I left there hungry. You have to try the lounge specials on the weekends. Whoever came up with the idea is a marketing genious, as it draws people in who otherwise would not come in and they end up loving it and coming back for regular menu items.
(5)Reginald E.
I took a date here for dinner. We started out with the mussels and it was pretty good. The bread with the house made butter mix was excellent. I loved it. The main course came out and I had the sirloin cooked medium rare with mushrooms and it was very good. The salt really brought out the taste in the food. My date had the quail and she really liked it. For desert we had a chocolate dish and it was pretty good. The service was excellent. I had a good time and would recommend it to anyone.
(4)Heather R.
My husband & I went for a light dinner for his birthday and ended up having a four course meal. We sat in the lounge because we didn't have a reservation & didn't feel like getting dressed up. The menu was so tempting we couldn't decide what to try. Thankfully, our server, Zachary, was able to give us great recommendations and every single item was to die for! We had the lobster app over creamy grits, an endive salad with blue cheese, the house salad with a lemon dressing that was sprinkled with fresh dill & parsley. The bread was warm and fresh. The entrees were so good I couldn't stop eating! My husband had the NY strip which was cooked to a perfect med-rare and I tried the Rockfish which was moist, full of flavor & presented beautifully. Desert for my husband was the bread pudding (which they bought since it was a special occasion) and I tried their carrot cake. My husband had several cocktails from the bar and they were all strong & delicious. The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly and we were able to talk to each other without yelling. I did take a peek in the main dining area and it looked nice, clean & inviting. The restroom was clean and they even provide guests with actual towels to dry their hands! You simply put your used towel in the bin when finished with it. I can't believe such a place exists in Hagerstown! We will be back for sure!
(5)Katie S.
What a great find in Washington County. I have lived just out DC all my life and I'm so thankful to have a fine dining experience available in Hagerstown. The food and service was superb.
(5)Gaurav D.
Very nice ambience. Sounds like a night club but surprisingly nice bar.
(5)